Esmond sat in Alfred's office, his skin pale white and dark circles under his eyes. Walking, Alfred froze, seeing the ill man who suddenly coughed, his hand dyed red. "Esmond, you should rest."
"I'm here for that reason." Esmond lowered his head and started coughing again. Alfred could see him wincing in pain with each one, the old man failing to hide it.
"Are you retiring?" Alfred asked casually, but Esmond shook his head and sighed.
"Horace finally got that woman pregnant. It is time for him to go through with the Final Ceremony." Alfred froze at those words and looked at Esmond with slight pity.
Taking a deep breath, he nodded and stood up. "Count Esmond Underwell. Rise." Alfred said the name respectfully and watched as the old man before him struggled to stand up. Just a year ago, he was running around the Empire enforcing his regime, but now he could hardly move without feeling pain.
